Per an NBA Press launch:
The NBA introduced that Bam Adebayo (Miami HEAT), Harrison Barnes (San Antonio Spurs), Chris Boucher (Toronto Raptors), Jrue Vacation (Boston Celtics) and CJ McCollum (New Orleans Pelicans) have been chosen because the 5 finalists for the 2024-25 NBA Social Justice Champion award. The recipient of the annual award receives the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar trophy and acknowledges a present NBA participant for pursuing social justice and advancing Abdul-Jabbar’s life mission to interact, empower and drive equality for people and teams who’ve been traditionally deprived. The NBA Social Justice Champion will probably be introduced throughout the NBA Playoffs and obtain $100,000 from the NBA to profit a justice centered group of his selecting.
A variety committee led by NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Working Officer Mark Tatum, NBA Legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and different social justice activists narrowed the candidates to the 5 aforementioned gamers.
In a piece outlining every participant’s {qualifications}, the discharge acknowledged:
Barnes demonstrates steadfast dedication within the areas of schooling, neighborhood improvement, and social equality. On February 18, Barnes and his spouse introduced a $250,000 donation to AlamoPROMISE, a tuition-free program supporting St. Philip’s Faculty, the nation’s solely HBCU and Hispanic-Serving Establishment. In December 2024, Barnes donated $50,000 to UNICEF USA to help their humanitarian help efforts throughout the US. Moreover, he contributed $100,000 to Athletes in Motion, a worldwide neighborhood that develops athletes bodily, mentally, and spiritually. Barnes additionally donated $10,000 to Los Angeles Nomadic Division, which connects individuals and locations by means of artwork.
Barnes launched a court docket refurbishment program throughout three cities, beginning with the Guadalupe Group Heart (GCC) in San Antonio, the place over 40% of neighbors reside under the federal poverty stage. He has devoted his private time to connecting with native nonprofits like Mi Corazon Ministries, Black Outdoors, Gardopia Gardens, and others.
See the total launch HERE.
Welcome to The Thread. Be a part of within the dialog, begin your personal dialogue, and share your ideas. That is the Spurs neighborhood, your Spurs neighborhood. Thanks for being right here.
Our neighborhood tips apply which ought to remind everybody to be cool, keep away from private assaults, don’t troll and watch the language.